Venezuela

American  

[ven-uh-zwey-luh, ve-ne-swe-lah] / ˌvɛn əˈzweɪ lə, ˌvɛ nɛˈswɛ lɑ /

noun

1. a republic in northern South America. 352,143 sq. mi. (912,050 sq. km). Caracas.

2. Also called Maracaibo.  Gulf of Venezuela. a gulf of the Caribbean Sea between northwestern Venezuela and northern Colombia, connecting with Lake Maracaibo. 75 miles (120 km) long and up to 150 miles (240 km) wide.

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Venezuela British  

/ ˌvɛnɪˈzweɪlə /

noun

1. Official name: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.  a republic in South America, on the Caribbean: colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century; independence from Spain declared in 1811 and won in 1819 after a war led by Simón Bolívar. It contains Lake Maracaibo and the northernmost chains of the Andes in the northwest, the Orinoco basin in the central part, and the Guiana Highlands in the south. Exports: petroleum, iron ore, and coffee. Official language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: bolívar. Capital: Caracas. Pop: 28 459 085 (2013 est). Area: 912 050 sq km (352 142 sq miles)

2. an inlet of the Caribbean in NW Venezuela: continues south as Lake Maracaibo

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Venezuela Cultural  

1. Republic in northern South America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south, and Colombia to the southwest and west. Its capital and largest city is Caracas.

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Venezuela became independent from Spain in 1821.

Venezuela is rich in oil, which accounts for about ninety percent of its export income. Because of its revenue from oil, Venezuela has the highest per capita national income in Latin America. It was a founder of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Example Sentences

Before dawn on Dec. 10, U.S. forces captured the Guyana-flagged Skipper for allegedly transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran for years.

From The Wall Street Journal

But there was a twist that foreshadows the uncertain new path of Venezuela’s leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal

Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously adopted the law Thursday, providing hope that hundreds of political prisoners behind bars may be soon released.

From Barron's

But the law exempts prisoners from petitioning for amnesty if they are accused of such charges as military rebellion or promoting an invasion of Venezuela.

From The Wall Street Journal

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which supported military operations in Venezuela, is also on its way to the region.

From The Wall Street Journal